The actress, who left her role as Lauren Branning in EastEnders earlier this year, was seen on camera sitting next to co-star Lacey Turner, when Hollyoaks picked up the award for Best Storyline for Lily Drinkwell’s self-harm storyline.

The camera then panned to Jacqueline, who appeared to say: “Everything is always self-harm on that show”.

Jacqueline Jossa made the comment on live television [Jacqueline Jossa/Instagram]

Some viewers picked up on what Jacqueline had said, branding the comment “distasteful”.

But following the backlash, the 25-year-old actress decided to apologise to anyone she offended – as well as fully explain what happened.

Posting to her 1.2 Instagram followers, the actress said: “Just to clear things up, Lacey asked me what the storyline was, as we couldn’t hear. I answered with, I’m not actually sure, ‘I think they all self-harmed on that show’.

“I didn’t watch the show, I only went from the clip I saw previous, which involved three girls on a bed. I haven’t watched the show recently so don’t actually know, but always love it and wasn’t discrediting. I was literally answering what the storyline was.

“I know that self-harm isn’t a joke, obviously, and love any soap that tackles hard stories. It’s been taken out of context! Jake Wood’s story involved self-harm too.

"I wasn’t hating, I was answering a question. Sorry for offence!!"

Jacqueline Jossa is set to give birth in a matter of weeks [Getty]

Many rushed to her defence following the clip, with one fan writing: “She's publicly been a big lover & defender of other soaps so I think her words are being taken out of context.”

Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne's house: Inside their family home

Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne's family house comes complete with gorgeous decor and amazing bedrooms for daughter Ella and Dan's son Teddy – click here to see inside their home

“Before people start trolling Jacqueline Jossa off over something taken completely out of context, please remember she’s due this month so hate isn’t needed,” another wrote,while a third said: “The hate jac is getting is disgusting, considering everything she’s going through and the fact she is very pregnant. Whatever was said was likely out of context, we weren’t there so we don’t know.”

EastEnders only picked up two awards and one joint one during the ceremony, while Coronation Street swept the board with six accolades, including Best Soap.